Denpasar Completely Queit, Only Singing Birds Heard

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - With all Balinese people observing the Hindu  Day of Silence,  Denpasar, the provincial capital, is enveloped in a pall of complete quiet, the only sounds heard being the chirping or singing of birds.

The city is very much deserted and even policemen are hardly to be seen as the Hindus are obliged to stay indoors without lights, or any sounds.

During "Nyepi",  the Balinese "Day of Silence" which commemorates  Isakawarsa (Saka new year), Balinese are not allowed to have light and fire, to work, stay outside , and to have fun.

This year is the Saka New year of 1933.

Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection.

The inhabitants of Bali, around 3.86 million people, have to stay inside their homes or temples for the whole day.

Even foreign tourists cannot watch  television or listen to radios in the hotels during "Nyepi". They are allowed to have activities only within their hotel compounds.

Ngurah Rai airport and four seaports in Bali Province are also closed for 24 hours during "Nyepi".

On ordinary days,  Ngurah Rai airport serves around 180 flights daily. (*)